Male Speaker: Dubai, the melting pot of the Middle East with the food to prove it.

Male Speaker: Where do you guys come from?

Male Speaker: I am Iraqi from Baghdad.

Male Speaker: And I am Iraqi from South Basra.

Ayyar and Nasir have brought me to Al Bayt Al Baghdadi Restaurant for the taste of their homeland.

Male Speaker: So you guys have been described to me as foodies, is that an accurate --?

Male Speaker: Yeah, I think we all Iraqis love food. Iraqi food is not well-known outside because only few restaurants cater for really good quality Iraqi food. It's a home business cooking Iraqi food. It's time consuming and quality really depends on their excellent ingredients.

Male Speaker: Right. You've mentioned something interesting, Iraqi food is more home-based traditionally, like a lot of countries in the region. Traditionally, you don't eat out in restaurants much.

Male Speaker: But traditionally an Iraqi would never go to a restaurant. Extremely good food is at home and you entertain people at home.

Male Speaker: Right. But here, home-sick Iraqis, you need a --

Male Speaker: Oh that's why, why such restaurants now are thriving, and they are producing good quality food.

Male Speaker: Strongly influenced by its neighboring countries Turkey, Syria and Iran, the cuisine makes use of a wide array of fresh vegetables, meats and spice. Meals begin with appetizers and salads known as Mezze.

Male Speaker: That's very nice.

Male Speaker: I suggest you to try Iraqi bread, which is Baghdad's -- something we always miss.

Male Speaker: Of course.

Male Speaker: A staple, no meal here is complete without Khobez, a flat wheat bread. There are techniques that can only be learned with years of practice, the dough is expertly tossed, then slapped on to the inside of the stone oven. The bread is done when it's bubbling and brown.

Masgouf, sometimes referred to as Iraq's national dish. The fish is sliced open butterfly style, skewered and placed next to an open fire and slowly smoked into a flaky purple.

Male Speaker: What's on?

Male Speaker: Really great! It's uniquely, meaning to the type of fish but also with the preparation.

Male Speaker: The preparation, preparation is Babylonian and the word Masgouf is from Babylon.

Male Speaker: As elsewhere in this part of the world, hospitality is important to the Iraqis. Iraqis have brought up to believe that unless their guests are full, they have been negligent in their role as hosts.

Ayyar and Nasir, cheers! You have brought honor to your clan.